Caucus examined bill barring local limits on drones, expands airport buffer in Senate amendment
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Summary
HB 2875 would preempt local rules on unmanned aircraft ownership and operation; the Senate amendment expands a one‑mile airport buffer to 2.5 miles for drone deliveries and requires operator consultation with airports, drawing member questions about which airports are covered.
House Bill 2875 would prohibit cities, towns and counties from regulating ownership or operation of unmanned aircraft systems. As amended in the Senate, the bill expands an airport buffer for drone delivery operations from 1 mile to 2.5 miles and requires that drone‑delivery operators consult with the relevant airport to confirm proper operational protocols.
Nicole briefed members that the amendment references 'airports and airport hubs,' which would encompass major facilities including Phoenix Sky Harbor and Tucson International Airport, and said the sponsor added consultation requirements in response to airport safety concerns. A caucus member asked whether the radius applies to all airports, including smaller or private fields; Nicole confirmed the bill text uses a term that includes hubs and directed members to the bill language for precise definitions.
Members said they had spoken with local airport officials who expressed public‑safety concerns about the original one‑mile radius. The sponsor indicated that consultation requirements were intended to give airports a role in operational coordination.
No formal action was recorded in caucus; the sponsor indicated the item is moving through the process with the Senate amendment and that conferral with airport stakeholders may continue.
